Government Clarifies Reports On Children Missed Out On Basic Vaccines

Reportedly, there have been some media reports that lakhs of Indian children may have missed routine immunizations owing to COVID outages, increasing the danger of future epidemics and deaths. However, the government has clarified that these reports are not founded on facts and do not accurately portray the situation.

It is highlighted that, since the COVID outbreak, the Health Ministry has prioritised the maintenance of vital services, including immunisation under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), reported Union Ministry of Health.

Further, the Health Ministry stated that in collaboration with all states, UTs, and development partners, has endeavoured to mitigate the negative effects of COVID-19 and to take immediate action to guarantee that children receive life-saving immunizations under UIP.

"The country attained 99% DTP3 coverage in the first quarter of 2021 (January – March) as measured by HMIS, thanks to the dedication of the Government of India and the public health workforce. This is the highest DTP3 coverage ever measured" concluded the Union Ministry of Health.